![Dr. Lucero in front of a white board.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686934263/stamfordpublicschoolsorg/f3ktkfkyhfuqlbrlehv0/Tamu1.png","width":179}])
ear Staff and Families,
I am looking forward to spending Saturday night watching our very own NorthStar Playmakers in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Please plan to join us if tickets are still available or attend the final show on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
Last weekend the NAACP invited numerous City and State leaders for a panel discussion. It was interesting to hear about some of the funding that may be available to the Stamford community related to mental health, workforce development, and housing. It is important to continue to work together as a city and state given all the areas that have an indirect impact on student academic and social emotional success.
On Sunday, John and I attended Stamford Day 2022 hosted by the Mayor's Multicultural Council & Mill River Park Collaborative. It was nice spending time with members of our school community. Later that afternoon we had the honor of attending the dedication of the Mary Gail Malloy Rotary Room at the Ferguson Library. What a wonderful afternoon celebrating a beloved and deeply missed member of our community.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We appreciate this opportunity to celebrate the numerous contributions and the cultures in the Stamford community.
Long-term Facilities Plan
As a next step to the Master Facilities planning, we have two areas of focus. The actual planning for building and construction that is part of the Long-term Facilities plan, but we also must consider the academics, supports and needs for the future. Therefore, we will be scheduling meetings with different school communities to discuss next steps. Stay tuned for engagement opportunities to discuss our vision and work collaboratively to make decisions that unquestionably have a long lasting impact on the future of the Stamford community.
One of the exciting activities each school community will participate in is the development of Educational Specifications. In case you missed them, here are the plans for Roxbury and Westhill. Take a moment to look at these initial projects that will serve as the kickoff for our 10 year Master Facilities Plan, also included here. With the state reimbursement of 80% for Westhill and 60% for all other construction projects, this marks a true turning point in the City of Stamford!
Budget Update
If you joined us for the fiscal committee meeting, you heard our reallocation recommendation to the BOE to use ESSER funds originally earmarked for capital projects to fund positions slated for this year’s operating budget. Our goal is to continue to work with our City Boards to discuss the various needs in SPS and gain support for our budgets moving forward.
Cell Phone Policy Update
As a part of the Stamford Education Association (SEA) consultation meeting, I agreed to share a draft cell phone policy with PT Council, the Superintendent and BOE student voice advisory, and building leaders to get ideas and suggestions. Although all agree on the need to update our current outdated policy, the agreement on cell phone expectations remains a conundrum for many. I have attached a copy of the draft ideas we are discussing, please click on the following link to review and provide feedback. We will host a few listening sessions in the future to hear directly from families and staff.
Grading for Equity Resources
During one of my recent Connecting our Community Through Conversation sessions, I was asked about resources to learn more about Grading for Equity. Please feel free to click on the following links for more information:
Stay Safe and Healthy!
Dr. Tamu Lucero
Superintendent of Schools